Swollen Knee and Sore Back - Injury

Question
Hi, just started running a few weeks ago and on last Saturday after a run (5 Miles) I came back and my back and knee were sore, normal after excersise. However it is now Wednesday and my left knee has swollen a fair bit and my lower back is painfull when I jump, run or jog, sometimes even gong up stairs. I haven't done any excersise since Saturday, not wanting to make it worse.I have decent running shoes and am not overweight. (5ft11 and 67 kg)Is this common, if so what should i do, really don't want to see a doctor? Thanks a lot.


Answer
Hi, Tom

I can definitely feel your pain (literally) as I have knee problems for 10 years and back pain for the past 2 years.

However, what you're describing is too severe for me to say what has happened and if it was, indeed, the run.

For that, you'll have to see the doctor, if for nothing else, to get to a physical therapist.  Though the doctor may give you something for the pain and swelling, the physical therapist can help figure out what your limitations are, how to work through them, and how not to further injure yourself.

I know it's not the answer you want to hear, but going to the doctor is better than having to suffer chronic pain.  (And there was no one thing that hurt my back, just a series of things over time.)

So, please see your doctor.  You'll thank yourself in the end.